4-star QB Jake Allen remains solid commitment to Florida

After committing to Florida in July 2015, four-star quarterback Jake Allen’s pledge to the Gators remains solid.

Allen, from powerhouse Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas, pledged to the Gators before Jim McElwain had even coached a game in Gainesville. Now, 14 months later, Allen remains excited about his future in orange and blue.

"Talking to Coach McElwain and (offensive coordinator Doug) Nussmeier, what they have to offer in the offense definitely sold me," Allen told GN. "The pro-style offense, the family atmosphere, staying close to home -- there are a ton of reasons that pulled me to the Gators."

Allen (6 feet 3, 200 pounds), considered a top-250 prospect nationally and a top-10 pro-style quarterback in the class of 2017, committed to Florida before his junior season.

"I knew where I wanted to go; I didn’t want to play around," Allen said. "Some of these recruits will not only take their time but kind of mess with the whole process and take advantage of it."

Allen chose Florida over offers from Miami, Iowa and North Carolina State, among others.

Allen is excited about being a future Gator and looking forward to the challenge that playing in the SEC will bring.

"It’s going to be really cool to play in the SEC, where some of the best players in the world have played," he said.

Allen is among 14 commitments for McElwain and Florida in the 2017 class.

Asked if he had a message for Gators fans, he said, "Coach McElwain is bringing this program back. They’re going to be a top-10 or top-five program every year now. I really believe in what Coach McElwain is running and I think Gator fans should too."